1999 İzmit earthquake

The 1999 İzmit earthquake was an approximately 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck northwestern Turkey on August 17, 1999. It happened at around 3:01 am local time. The event lasted for 37 seconds, killing 15,135 people and leaving approximately half a million people homeless. The epicenter was in İzmit, which was heavily damaged and where most of the deaths and injuries occurred.

1999 İzmit earthquake

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1999 İzmit earthquake is located in Turkey Istanbul Istanbul Ankara Ankara 1999 İzmit earthquake
Collapsed buildings in İzmit after the 1999 earthquake
Date	{{{date}}}
Duration	37 seconds
Magnitude	7.6 Mw
Depth	15 km (9.3 mi)
Epicenter location	40.81°N 29.98°E / 40.81; 29.98
Type	Strike-slip
Countries or regions affected	{{{countries affected}}}
Max. intensity	IX (Violent)
Tsunami	2.52 m (8 ft 3 in)
Casualties	17,118–17,127 dead 43,953–50,000 injured

After the earthquake, international support came to the area including former United States President Bill Clinton who visited the people who had been affected from the quake in Adapazarı. The quake also caused damage and the deaths of hundreds of people in Istanbul.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expressed shock over the tragedy. He told Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit that Malaysia would help the victims in any way possible.

1999 İzmit Earthquake Media

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  An interferogram image of the rupture caused by the earthquake

• The waveform showing the peak ground acceleration recorded by a station in Ambarlı, Avcılar district, Istanbul

• USGS ShakeMap showing the intensity of the event

• Izmit eart3.jpg

  Collapsed buildings in Gölcük

• Tupras İzmit Refinery.jpg

  The Tüpraş refinery, where the fire occurred

• Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency.jpg

  Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency established in order to prepare for future events.

• 990817중앙119구조본부 터키 이즈미트 지진 출동9.jpg

  A team of South Korean volunteers and locals helping with rescue operations

• Reddingshond turkije.jpg

  Reddingshond in actie tijdens de aardbeving in Turkije augustus 1999.

• Flooded Kavaklı Beach in Gölcük

• Tsunami wave causing minor surge